AHC Expresses Support for Immigration Reform

The American Horse Council has expressed its support of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, which soon will be considered by the United States Senate.

"This bill will strengthen border security and improve many of the immigration issues facing the horse industry," the AHC stated in a release. "It would allow undocumented workers to legalize their status and replace the broken H-2A program with a new agricultural worker program administered by U.S. Department of Agriculture. It would also make improvements to the H-2B program and create a new W-visa low skilled program that would allow employers to hire foreign workers when no Americans can be found."

The AHC reminded its members how comprehensive immigration reform has been a priority of the horse industry for many years.

"Despite substantial efforts to recruit and train U.S. workers, horse farms, trainers, horseshows, and others in the horse industry have been forced to rely on foreign workers and utilize both the H-2B (non-agricultural) and H-2A (agricultural) temporary worker programs to meet their labor needs," the organization stated. "However, the current temporary worker system is not reliable and is extremely burdensome to use."

The AHC urged its members to let senators know how this bill is vital to the horse industry. "It is important they continue to hear from their constituents right up to the final vote," the organization said in a statement.

The AHC noted specific points to tell the senator's office:

• Your support of S. 744 and comprehensive immigration reform.
• That S.744 has the potential to improve many of the immigration issues facing the horse industry in their state.
• Please vote in favor of S.744